Fundraisers encouraged to complete Captain Tom 100 for charity

Local fundraisers are being encouraged to celebrate the amazing achievements of Captain Tom and support Springhill Hospice with the Captain Tom 100 challenge, launched on the anniversary of his historic walk.

Following the outpouring of heartfelt messages since the death of Captain Sir Tom Moore on 2 February, his family pledged to celebrate his life with an event that everyone, in the UK and around the world, could be involved in.

Captain Tom 100 offers Springhill supporters, of all ages and abilities, the opportunity to raise crucial funds for the Hospice, while at the same time celebrating Captain Tom’s generosity of spirit, the hope and joy he brought to millions, and his sense of fun.

That could be walking 100 steps or running 100 metres, scoring 100 goals, baking 100 cakes, climbing 100 stairs, hopping 100 laps of the garden, writing a 100-word poem – anything at all, inside or outside. There are no rules, apart from government guidelines on the roadmap out of lockdown, and it's open to everyone.

Captain Tom and the target of 100 has inspired many people none more than seven year old Romi Gully from Middleton who has cycled 100 miles in March, with her dad Darren, for Springhill Hospice because it is close to their hearts.

Romi managed to beat her target by cycling over 126 miles, before and after school, and raised nearly £2,600.  

 

 

Rochdale’s singing jeweller – John Swinden – will be doing his own Captain Tom 100 for the hospice on Sunday 2 May, singing 100 different songs, back to back. He has already raised over £1,000 with the pledge. He estimates the challenge will take him around four or five hours.

John will be setting up a fundraiser link, but if anyone would like to sponsor his Captain Tom 100, you can pop into J&D Alexander Jewellers on The Walk between 9.30am and 4pm Wednesday to Saturday.

Earlier this year, John donated £1,000 to the hospice after the sale of limited edition prints of an original painting of Captain Tom, created by Middleton artist Lisa Haselden.

After being inspired by Captain Tom’s efforts to raise funds for NHS Charities by walking 100 laps of his garden for his 100th birthday, John purchased the artwork of Captain Sir Tom seated with the official RAF flypast for his 100th birthday overhead.

He and Lisa then worked together to produce a number of limited edition prints of the painting which were sold to raise much needed funds for local charities, including Springhill Hospice.
 

Read more: A grand effort from local jeweller for Springhill HospicePublished: 13 January 2021

 

How do you take part? It’s so simple. All participants need to do is dream up a Captain Tom 100 challenge based around the number 100 and do it at any time and anywhere over Captain Tom’s birthday weekend – starting on Friday 30 April through to Bank Holiday Monday 3 May. Let Springhill know what you’re doing to raise money for them and share your 100 on social media.

Launching the Captain Tom 100, Hannah Ingram-Moore, Captain Tom’s daughter, said: “We are so grateful for the incredible support we have received since my father started his record-breaking fundraising walk. We know he would love the idea of inviting everyone to get involved and share their Captain Tom 100 so that together we can ensure ‘Tomorrow will be a good day’. Do it your way and have fun.”

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect on UK charities, with the cancellation of thousands of events and the loss of millions in income. At a time when vulnerable members of society need them most, charities have had to cut services, furlough staff and some have even shut down.

Fundraising Manager at Springhill Hospice, Sophie Ansley, said: “We have all been inspired by Captain Tom and to be invited to be part of his amazing legacy is a wonderful opportunity for the hospice.

“Our doctors and nurses have continued to support our patients and families throughout the past year despite the many difficulties and financial pressures that have been created.

“It’s important to be able to use opportunities like the Captain Tom 100 to help rebuild a solid foundation for hospice care now and in the future.”

For help and support with your own Captain Tom 100 challenge for Springhill Hospice contact the Fundraising Team by emailing fundraising@springhill.org.uk or call 01706 641790.